Shading system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to shading systems that are comprised of multiple individual and independent shading units mounted over at least one wire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of Italian Patent ApplicationNo. 102018000009913, filed Oct. 30, 2018 and of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/792,975, filed on Jan. 16, 2019, the entire contentof which being herewith incorporated by reference as if fully disclosedherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to shading systems, moreparticularly, to shading systems that comprise multiple individual andindependent shading units.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a shading system, comprising a hangingframe/net with one or multiple hanging wires, on which plurality ofindependent shading units are mounted, wherein each independent shadingunit is mounted on a single hanging wire. Such shading systems can beused for shading areas, e.g. building's terraces and stadium tiers, openareas like gardens, open spaces and even streets, parks etc.

Various shading systems and sunshades have been developed during theyears but they suffer from various drawbacks and disadvantages. Forinstance, the most common systems involve a shading sheet spread overthe desired area to be shaded. However, such sheets tend to keepwarm/moist air beneath them, such that the more shade they make the moreworm/moist air is locked beneath. In addition, a shading sheet issusceptible to forces applied by wind and might tear when strong windblows—as such, the larger the sheet is the more forces are appliedthereon, which makes it more susceptible to tearing. Moreover, some ofthese shading sheets need to be installed in an angle to enablerainwater to flow off and prevent formation of water-pockets, which addadditional pressure thereon. Other system use folding blinds to controlthe amount of shade according to need and sun angle, but they requiresophisticated and expensive preparation and framing, a mechanicaltechnology, and often also a power source. In addition, most sunshadesused today irradiate heat towards the shaded area due to direct sunlightheating the sunshade.

Alternative approaches for shading involve the use of multiple shadingunits mounted on parallel strings, such as described in CN 203761903 andWO 2011/055476. However, these systems use straight shading units thatdo not provide constant shade during movement of the sun and/or whenwind moves the units.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a shading system 100 for shading a groundarea below, the system 100 comprising: (a) at least one hanging wire120; (b) a plurality of shading units 110, each one of said plurality ofshading units 110 comprising an upper section and a lower section thatare not on the same plane; and (c) a plurality of mounting connectors121, wherein said at least one hanging wire 120 is adapted to be hungabove said ground area, and each one of said plurality of shading units110 is adapted to be mounted onto a single hanging wire 120 of said atleast one hanging wire 120 via one or more mounting connectors 121connected to the upper section of each shading unit 110, such that eachshading unit 110 can tilt with air movement.

The present invention further provides a shading unit 110 for use withthe shading system 100 of the invention for mounting onto a singlehanging wire thereof, the shading unit 110 comprising an upper sectionand a lower section that are not on the same plane, and optionally, aright section and a left section that are not on the same plane.

The present invention further provides a method for shading an area, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) hanging and stretching one or morehanging wires 120 in parallel to one another in accordance with thesun's movement direction; (b) mounting the shading units 110 of theinvention onto the wires 120; and c) optionally, affixing each one ofthe shading units 110 to the wire 120 using stoppers 114.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C show one specific embodiment of a shading unit of theinvention: FIG. 1A is a front view; FIG. 1B is a side view; and FIG. 1Cis a rear view.

FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate some embodiments of a shading system according tothe invention: FIG. 2A is a front view of illustrating two shading unitsmounted on a wire; FIG. 2B is a side view of a single shading unit ofFIG. 2A mounted on a wire; FIGS. 2C-2F are front views of differentpossible structure of shading units according to the invention; and FIG.2G is a side view of a single shading unit of FIG. 2F mounted on a wire.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment of the shading system of theinvention in which the shading units are mounted onto a main cable via aspring mechanism.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate hot air flow (4A) and kinetics/movement (4B) ofthe shading units in the shading system of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a shading profile created by the shading system ofthe invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the flexibility of the amount of shading createdwhen using the shading system of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an embodiment of a shading system of theinvention in which the shading units are assembled together without amain cable: FIG. 7A is a 3-D view; FIG. 7B is a side-view; and FIG. 7Cis an upper view.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a shading system of theinvention in which the shading units are assembled together without amain cable.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an embodiment of a shading system of theinvention in which shading units are mounted onto a net of hanging wiresvia a single connection: FIG. 9A is a side-view; FIG. 9B is anupper-view; and FIG. 9C is a 3-D view of a shading system according tothe invention with a plurality of cables and a plurality of shadingunits, each shading unit is mounted only on one of the plurality ofcables.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate one embodiment of a shading unit according tothe invention:

FIG. 10A is a 3-dimentional view; FIG. 10B is a side view; FIG. 10C is afront view; and FIG. 10D is a rear view.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate one embodiment of a shading system according tothe invention with the shading units of FIG. 10 mounted on a net ofhanging wires: FIG. 11A is a 3-dimentional view; and FIG. 2B is a sideview.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate a single shading unit mounted on a hanging wirenet as illustrated in FIG. 11, illustrating the movement of the shadingunit forward and backwards (FIG. 12B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is aimed at providing efficient shading systems100 that enables both dynamic shading and heat ventilation, whileavoiding complicated constructions and gravity and wind-pulling effects.

When assembling sunshades, one should take into consideration the sun'smovement angle, the area that needs to be shaded and wind velocity. Ingeneral, the larger the area that needs to be shaded, the greater effectwind and gravity have on standard sunshades due to moment powers appliedon the sunshade that is stretched over the area. Gravity and momentpowers cause sunshade sheets to sink in the middle, pull the surroundingedges, which loosens the shading sheet and applies pulling forces on theanchoring points of the shading sheet. As a result, when shading largeareas, massive constructions and/or multiple supporting anchors ormounting beams are needed to both prevent sinking of the sunshadesheet(s) and distribute pulling forces between the anchoring points.Other alternatives are to add support poll(s) in the middle of theshading sheet or use solid construction frame to hold the shadingsheet(s) or solid shading units.

The present invention eliminates the above effects and drawbacks byusing separate independent lightweight shading units 110 that aremounted onto a single hanging wire 120 or onto a plurality ofessentially parallel wires 120 or onto a net of such hanging wires 120(see e.g. FIGS. 9C & 11), wherein each shading unit 110 ismounted/attached onto a single wire. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides a shading system 100 that comprises two or more shading units110 mounted onto a hanging wire or a net 120 thereof.

Accordingly, the present invention first provides a shading system 100comprising: (a) at least one hanging wire 120; and (b) a plurality ofshading units 110 designed to be mounted onto the at least one hangingwire 120, each shading unit 110 comprises: (i) upper 111- and lower112-sections, wherein the arch/angle between the two sections is between91° and 179° (see “Y” in FIGS. 1 & 2); and (ii) optionally, a right- anda left-sections, wherein the arch/angle between the two sections isbetween 91° and 179° (see “X” in FIGS. 1 & 2).

The present invention further provides a shading system 100 for shadingan essentially horizontal area, the system 100 comprising: (a) at leastone hanging wire 120; and (b) a plurality of shading units 110, each oneof the plurality of shading units 110 is designed to be mounted onto asingle hanging wire 120 of the at least one hanging wire 120, eachshading unit 110 comprises: (i) upper- and lower-sections, wherein thearch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179°; and (ii)optionally, a right- and a left-sections, wherein the arch/angle betweenthe two sections is between 91° and 179°, wherein each one of theplurality of shading units 110 is mounted onto a single hanging wire 120of the at least one hanging wire 120 via a designated mountingconnector(s) 121 such that the connector 121 enables the shading unit110 to tilt on the hanging wire 120.

The term “essentially horizontal area” as used herein refers to areas atany angle and size, such as mountain/hill slope, backyards, streets,balconies, etc. It should be noted that the area to be shaded does notneed to be fully horizontal but can have any angle according to thesurface orientation.

The present invention further provides a shading system 100 for shadinga ground area below, the system 100 comprising: (a) at least one hangingwire 120; (b) a plurality of shading units 110, each one of saidplurality of shading units 110 comprising an upper section and a lowersection that are not on the same plane; and (c) a plurality of mountingconnectors 121, wherein said at least one hanging wire 120 is adapted tobe hung above said ground area, and each one of said plurality ofshading units 110 is adapted to be mounted onto a single hanging wire120 of said at least one hanging wire 120 via one or more mountingconnectors 121 connected to the upper section of each shading unit 110,such that each shading unit 110 can tilt with air movement.

The term “ground area” as used herein to describe the area to be shadedrefers to any area that can be walked on, including, but not limited to,actual ground, road, sidewalk, garden, field, balcony, terrace, rooftop,playing ground, etc.

In specific embodiments of the shading system 100 of the invention, ashading unit 110 further comprises a right section and a left sectionthat are not on the same plane.

The term “same plane” as used herein means a straight, i.e. 180°, plane,that is not arched, bent or folded in an angle. The shading units 110according to the invention are thus designed to have: a curved shape(without clear angles); an angular shaped, i.e. with a clear anglebetween their upper- and lower-sections and optionally between theirleft- and right-sections; or both curved and angular shaped. In specificembodiments—when creating an imaginary line between the tips of theupper section and the lower section (and between the left and rightsections) an imaginary rectangular shape is formed, either with a curvedpoint or an angled one at the connection point between the two sections-and said curved or angled point is between 91° and 179°.

The present invention further provides individual shading units 110 thatare to be used for shading an area using a shading system, each shadingunit 110 comprises: (a) upper- and lower-sections, wherein thearch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179° (see “Y” inFIGS. 1 & 2); and (b) optionally, a right- and a left-sections, whereinthe arch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179° (see “X”in FIGS. 1 & 2).

In specific embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, at leastpart, or all, of the of shading units 110 are permanently mounted on theat least one hanging wire 120. It should be noted that in such aconfiguration, additional shading units 110 may be mounted on thehanging wire 120 if need arises, e.g. to increase the shading effect ata certain region. In further specific embodiment, the shading units 110may be moved along the wire 120 or removed entirely according to need,e.g. to remove units 110 above a region that does not need shade.

The term “arch/angle” as used herein is aimed at describing therelationship between the different parts/sections of the shading unit110 of the invention at their attachment/border line. Accordingly, twosections may be connected to one another in either an angle (see e.g.FIGS. 2A-2C and 2E) or in a curved manner (see e.g. FIGS. 2G, 2F, 3 and9-12) which creates an arch rather than an angle.

In certain embodiments, each shading unit 110 within the system 100 iscomposed of two sections: a first section perpendicular to the groundand a second section connected to the first part with an angle(typically more than 90 degrees but less than 179 degrees). In specificembodiments, each shading unit 110 is made of a single sheet ofmaterial. In alternative embodiments, each shading unit 110 is made oftwo, three, four or more separate units attached together to obtain thefinal 3-dimentional form thereof.

In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F and 8-10, theshape of the shading units 110 of the invention can vary according toneed and desire (e.g. for aesthetics purposes), e.g. like a leaf withoutclear separation of sections (upper/lower & right/left) (see e.g. FIG.2D).

In certain embodiments, the arch/angle between the upper and lowersections is between 95° and 175°; between 110° and 165°; between 110°and 155°; between 110° and 145°; between 110° and 135°; between 110° and125°. In a specific embodiment, the angle is 111°.

In certain embodiments, the arch/angle between the right and leftsections is 180°, i.e. straight or no angle. In alternative embodiments,the angle is between 95° and 175°; between 110° and 165°; between 110°and 155°; between 110° and 145°; between 110° and 135°; between 110° and125°. The purpose of such an angle is to provide structural strength theunit 110. However, such structural strength can also be obtained byother means, such as supporting rods and/or embedded strengtheningmaterials/wires within the material of the shading unit 110 (see e.g.118 in FIG. 2E. Another alternative or additional way to providestructural strength to the unit 110 is to fabricate same in a unique3-dimentional structure that provides such mechanical and structuralstrength, e.g. a leaf (FIG. 2D). Another alternative or additional wayto provide structural strength to the unit 110 is to fabricate same froma rigid material that provides both mechanical and structural strength.It should be noted that the above examples for strengthening the shadingunit 110 of the invention are for exemplary purposes only, and any othersuitable technique that can strengthen the units 110 can be used as wellby a skilled artisan, e.g. strengthening stitches, rigid or semi-rigidmaterial reinforced with bar(s), etc.

It should be noted that the shading units 110 are made of a rigidmaterial that enable the fabrication of the final shape thereof.Accordingly, the shading units 110 of the invention can be made from anyrigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, polycarbonate, metal,wood, rubber, etc., and which is preferably light-weighted such asaluminum, plastic or some polymer such as polycarbonate.

In certain embodiments, the shading units 110 of the invention arefabricated from a flat sheet of material that is designed to be cut andfold into the final 3-dimentional shape of the unit before use. Thisenables saving storage space and assists in transportation of thesystem. In another or alternative embodiments, the shading units 110 aredesigned such that they can be loaded one onto/into the other in acompact manner to save space.

In certain embodiments of the shading system 100 according to any of theembodiments above, each shading unit 110 is mounted/hung/attached onto asingle hanging wire 120. In certain embodiments, each hanging wire 120is comprised of a single wire. In specific alternative embodiments, eachhanging wire 120 is comprised of a pair of parallel wires, such thateach shading unit 110 is mounted thereon (see e.g. FIG. 3A), optionallyusing one or more dedicated connectors 121. In specific embodiments, theconnectors comprise or consist of a spring or a spring-like mechanismthat enables movement (i.e. tilting forward & backward and optionallysideways) of each shading unit 110 independently from the other shadingunits. Such connectors 121 may be attached to each shading unit, or maybe an integral part thereof. Alternatively, they may be an integral partof the wire 120. Such connectors 121 may be mounted onto the wire 120using any suitable attachment means such as a clip, or may be stringonto the wire prior to assembly.

In certain embodiments of the shading system 100 of any of the aboveembodiments, each shading unit 110 is mounted on a single wire 120 andcan tilt forward & backward, and optionally sideways, independently fromother shading units 110. The tilting of each shading unit 110 isindependent from that of the rest of the shading units 110.

In certain embodiments, the shading unit 110 of the invention accordingto any of the embodiments above further comprises a bird repellingconstruct 113 at the upper surface of the upper section. Such birdrepelling construct 113 may be an add-on attached to the upper surfaceof the unit 110 or may be formed by cutting the upper surface of theunit into spike-like elements (see FIGS. 1-2).

In certain embodiments, the shading unit 110 of the invention accordingto any of the embodiments above is perforated (see e.g. FIGS. 10-12).Such perforation of the unit 110 enables wind to pass therethroughthereby eliminating/reducing wind effect to thereby reduce moment andpulling forces applied on the entire shading system 100 and wires 120.It should be noted that the perforation of the shading unit 110 can bein any configuration according to user's desire and may be affected by,e.g., wind velocity at different locations within the area to be shadedand decorative/ornamental desires of the user. For instance, there canbe 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more holes in a single shading unit110. It should be noted that the number of holes may vary betweendifferent shading unit 110 within a single shading system 100.

In certain embodiments, the shading unit 110 of the invention, whenready for use, exhibits a rectangle shape when viewed from the front orback, and a parallelogram shape when viewed from the side. FIGS. 1A-1Cillustrate how one embodiment of a shading unit 110 according to theinvention looks like in a folded-ready-to-use state. It should be notedthat the shading unit 110 of the invention may be fabricated as a planesheet of material in order to reduce storage space and shipping costs,wherein the sheet of material has cut- and folding-lines for cutting andfolding the sheet of material into the final 3-dimentional form of theshading unit 110 prior to use, i.e. hanging on a wire 120.

In certain embodiments, the size, in length from top to bottom infolded-ready-to-use form, of a shading unit 110 according to theinvention is from 1 to 120 cm. The size of the units 110 effects thedistance between two adjacent units 110 so that the ratio between theunits 110 is kept in accordance with the angle of the sun at thelocation's latitude and units' 110 length. The ratio between size of theunits 110 and distance between two adjacent units 110 is such thatoptimum and desired shading is obtained, e.g. according to plant'srequirements, user's desire, etc. Accordingly, when less shading isneeded, the ratio can increase, and vise-versa.

In specific embodiments, the size, in length from top to bottom inready-to-use 3-dimentional form, of a shading unit 110 according to theinvention is from 1 to 30 cm; from 1 to 25 cm; from 1 to 20 cm; from 1to 15 cm; from 1 to 10 cm; from 1 to 5 cm; from 2 to 30 cm; from 3 to 30cm; from 4 to 30 cm; from 5 to 30 cm; from 10 to 30 cm; from 15 to 30cm; from 20 to 30 cm; or from 25 to 30 cm.

In specific embodiments, the size, in length from top to bottom infolded-ready-to-use form, of a shading unit 110 according to theinvention is from 30 to 70 cm; from 30 to 65 cm; from 30 to 60 cm; from30 to 55 cm; from 30 to 50 cm; from 30 to 45 cm; from 30 to 40 cm; from35 to 70 cm; from 40 to 70 cm; from 45 to 70 cm; from 50 to 70 cm; from55 to 70 cm; or from 60 to 70 cm.

In yet other alternative specific embodiments, the size, in length fromtop to bottom in folded-ready-to-use form, of a shading unit 110according to the invention is from 70 to 120 cm; from 80 to 110 cm; from90 to 100 cm; or 95 cm.

In certain embodiments, the upper sections are longer than the lowersections. In alternative embodiments, the lower sections are longer thanthe upper sections. In other alternative embodiments, the lower- andupper-sections are of the same length. For instance, in certainembodiments, the size of the upper portion of a shading unit 110according to the invention is from 15 to 40 cm; from 20 to 35 cm; from25 to 30 cm; or 28 cm, in length; and the size of the lower portion of ashading unit 110 according to the invention is from 60 to 90 cm; from 65to 85 cm; from 70 to 80 cm; or 77 cm, in length.

It should be noted that the shading units 110 of the invention aredesigned to be mounted on one wire 120 of a plurality of wires 120stretched over an area that needs shading. Accordingly, the presentinvention provides a shading system 100 comprising: (a) two or moreshading units 110 according to any one of the embodiments above; and (b)at least one hanging wire 120.

In certain embodiments, the number of shading units 110 and the distancebetween two adjacent units 110 may vary according to desire, size of thearea that needs shading, and/or the shading requirements/desired densityof each region within the area to be shaded. In specific embodiments,the number of shading units 110 to be mounted on a single wire 120 isfrom 2 to 50, and the distance between two adjacent units 110 is fromabout 0 mm to about 30 cm; from about 10 mm to about 25 cm; from about20 to about 20 cm; from about 20 to about 30 mm; from about 25 to about30 mm; from about 5 to about 25 mm; from about 5 to about 20 mm; fromabout 5 to about 15 mm; from about 5 to about 10 mm; or at least about10 mm. In certain embodiments, the shading units 110 are spreadthroughout the entire length of each wire 120.

In certain embodiments, the mounting of the shading units 110 on thewire 120 is carried out prior to the hanging/securing of the wire 120 inplace, e.g., while the wire 120 still lays on the ground or hang/securedto an anchoring point only on one side. In alternative embodiments, themounting of the shading units 110 on the wire 120 is carried out afterthe wire 120 has been hang/secured in place and stretched.

Each one of the shading units 110 according to any of the embodimentsabove is designed to be mounted onto a single hanging wire 120.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the system of the invention furthercomprises a mounting mechanism(s) designed to enable the hanging eachindividual shading unit 110 onto the hanging wire 120. The mountingmechanism may be an independent mechanism or an integral part of eachshading unit 110, optionally fabricated together therewith (see e.g.FIGS. 9 and 10). Non limiting examples of such mounting mechanism(s) areholes in the shading units 110 through which the wire 120 can pass;hooks (FIG. 10); clamps; etc.

In order to prevent movement of the shading units 110 along/across thewire 120, the shading units 110 according to any of the embodimentsabove may, in certain embodiments, further include an integral stoppingmechanism, such as a unique fold of the material from which the shadingunits 110 is made of, that generate friction and prevent movement of theunit 110 when mounted on the wire 120. Alternatively, an externalstopper 114 may be used. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the system100 further comprises one, two or more stoppers 114 designed to affixthe shading units 110 to the hanging wire 120 and prevent movementthereof along the wire 120. In certain embodiments, such stoppers 114may be mounted on the wire 120 after it has been hanged/secured in placeand stretched and after mounting the shading units 110 thereon. Inspecific embodiments, such stoppers 114 constitute part of the shadingunit 110 itself. In alternative embodiments, when a plurality of hangingwires 120 constitute a net, the prevention of the movement of theshading units 110 across the hanging wire 120 is achieved byhanging/mounting each shading unit 110 at a different intersection pointof the wires 120 in the net, such that each shading unit 110 is mountedonto one wire (see e.g. FIG. 11) while the crossing wire within the netis passed between the connectors 121 thereby preventing sliding of theunit 110 sideways. In specific embodiments, such a configuration mayalso limit the tilting angle of the unit 110 forwards and/or backwards.

The wires 120 used in the system 100 of the invention are made from anysuitable material, and can be made of, e.g., plastic, rope, metal etc.The wires 120 are designed to be affixed to adequate support, such as awall, a poll, a tree, etc. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, theshading system 100 of the invention according to any of the embodimentsabove further comprises wall fixation units for affixing the hangingwire(s) 120 to such a support. The type and number of the wall fixationunits can vary according to the type of support to which the wire isdesigned to be secured, and according to the number of wires 120 thatare to be hung.

The supports should be strong enough to withstand pulling powers appliedby the wire 120 stretched between. In order to reduce possible pullingpowers, it is possible to use springs-either as an integral mechanism ofthe wall fixation units being used to affix the wire 120 to the support,or as an independent unit/mechanism. Accordingly, in certainembodiments, the shading system 100 of the invention further comprisessprings at one or both ends of each one of the hanging wire(s) 120designed to eliminate/reduce pulling forces applied on the wire 120 whenhung/secured to the supports.

In certain embodiments of the system 100 according to any one of theembodiments above, a plurality of hanging wires 120 are elements of anet that is designed to be hung over the area to be shaded. Inalternative embodiments, a plurality of (independent) hanging wires 120are designed to be hung, e.g., in parallel (or essentially in parallel)to one another over the area to be shaded. It should be noted that thesize of the net of wires, or the amount and length of each one of thewires 120 within a shading system 100 can be modified according to needand the area to be shaded. As such, a net can have any shape and size,such as rectangular, triangular, parallelogram, round, etc.

In certain embodiments of the system 100 according to any one of theembodiments above, the at least one hanging wire(s) 120 or net of wiresis made of a rigid but flexible wire, such as a metal wire. Suchconfiguration enables flexible installation in complexed area and enablesimple adjustments of the length, size and angles of the hanging wire(s)120. In alternative embodiments, the wire(s) 120 or net of wires is madeof a rigid and non-flexible material, such as an iron rod (optionally aniron-bar net). Such configuration reduces the pressure and pullingeffect on the wire, but requires more complicated supports andconstructions. It is also less susceptible to adjustments to the area.Nevertheless, it might be favorable when an existing constructionalready exists, such as a balcony and pergola.

In certain embodiments, the hanging wire/net 120 is designed to be hungover the area to be shaded at any angle from the ground, e.g. parallelto the ground or not. In specific embodiments, part of the hangingwire/net 120 is designed to be hung over the area to be shadedessentially parallel to the ground and the rest of it is designed to behung diagonally to the ground, e.g. to provide or prevent sun rayspenetration during sunrise and sunset. In specific embodiments, thehanging wire/net 120 is designed to be hung essentially completelydiagonally to the ground. The hanging angle is determined according tothe sun direction and shading needs.

In certain embodiments, the number of hanging wires 120 and the distancebetween two adjacent wires 120 may vary according to desire, size of thearea that needs shading, and/or the shading requirements/desireddensity. In specific embodiments of the shading system 100 of any of theembodiments above, the number of hanging wires 120 to be stretchedacross an area is from 2 to 50 or more, and the distance between twoadjacent wires 120 is from about 15 cm to about 80 cm; from about 30 cmto about 70 cm; from about 40 cm to about 70 cm; from about 30 cm toabout 60 cm; from about 40 cm to about 60 cm; or about 55 cm.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in this specification areto be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in this specification are approximations that may vary by upto plus or minus 10% depending upon the desired properties to beobtained by the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the shading system 100 of the inventioncomprises: (a) a plurality of essentially parallel wires/strings 120stretched over an area to be shaded; and (b) a plurality of shadingunits 110 attached to each wire/string 120 and hanging down (towards theground) from the wire/string 120, wherein each unit 110 has a certaindegree of rotational movement, e.g. when the wind blows, the unit 110 isfree to move/tilt in the direction of the wind, while remainingconnected to the wire/string 120.

One of the purposes of the shading system 100 of the invention is tooffer shading urban areas without being affected by strong winds andgravitational effect of large. As explained above, hanging a largeshading sheet above an area is susceptible to strong winds that mightpull up/down and collapse the entire construction. Contrary to that, thestructure of the present shading system 100 causes winds to simplyrotationally move the shading units 110 without destabilizing the entireconstruction and without applying moment forces thereon (or applyingextremely reduced moment forces compared to standard shading sheets).

Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 and shading units110 of any of the embodiments above, each shading unit 110 furthercomprises a hinge that enables, when mounted on the wire 120, thetilting/rotation/dangling of the unit 110 on the wire 120, e.g. whenwind is blowing. In alternative embodiments, the system 100 furthercomprises such hinges that are independent from the shading units 110,and onto which the shading units 110 are to be mounted and attachedtherewith to the wire 120 to thereby enable thetilting/rotation/dangling of the unit 110 on the wire 120.

In certain embodiments, each shading unit 110 is covered—with anadditional material designed to reduce the sound caused when twoadjusting units 110 hit one another during tilting, and/or when windblows over it, and/or to increase the units' 110 weight such as toreduce their mobility and their tilting. In specific embodiments, eachshading unit 110 further comprises a weight to increase its weight suchas to reduce mobility and tilting.

It should be noted that the tilting/rotation/dangling of the shadingunit 110 on the wire 120 is also beneficiary in terms of reducingheat-load and moisture underneath the shading system 100: as illustratedin FIG. 4A, due to the spaces between the shading units 110 mounted onthe wire(s) 120, worm air can freely move up from the shaded areathereby reducing both the heat-load and the moisture at the shaded area.Such flow of hot air might be increased when the shading units 110tilt/rotate/dangle (e.g. due to wind blowing), thereby further reducingthe heat-load at the shaded area (see. FIG. 4B). In certain embodiments,the rising of the hot air causes the shading units 110 totilt/rotate/dangle.

The term “free” as used herein in relation to the tilting of the shadingunits 110 means that the tilting is not manually or electronicallycontrolled but is carried out by the movement of air (e.g. wind or hotair).

In certain embodiments, the present invention further provides a shadingsystem 100 comprising: (a) a plurality of shading units 110 designed tobe sequentially connected to one another to create a string of shadingunits, each shading unit 110 comprises: (i) upper- and lower-sections,wherein the arch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179°;and (ii) optionally, a right- and a left-sections, wherein thearch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179°, and (b) aplurality of connecting elements 115 for connecting one shading unit tothe next or to an adequate support. In specific embodiments, eachshading unit comprises at least one connecting element and constitute asingle unit.

In specific embodiments, the above-mentioned shading system 100 furthercomprises at least one spring at one or both ends of each of the stringof shading units 110 designed to eliminate/reduce pulling forces appliedthereon when attached/connected to the adequate support.

Reference in now made to FIGS. 7A-7C and 8 illustrating a shading system100 according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the systemcomprises independent shading units 110 connected to one another in aconsecutive manner with a connection element 115 and securing means 116such as a bolt or pin, or any other attachment mechanism, such as aratchet mechanism. In certain embodiments, the connection elements 115are made of elastic or semi-rigid material enabling flexibility to thegenerated line of shading units as well as to each shading unit 110 interms of front & back and sideways movement when hung. Such flexibilityassists in preventing tearing of the line of shading units due to momentforces applied thereon, e.g. due to wind. In addition, the flexibilityof movement of each shading unit 110 enable it to tilt in the wind andboth reduce moment forces applied on the line and aids in cooling theshaded area as explained above.

In certain embodiments, the connection element 115 further comprises aspring or a spring-like mechanism to provide movement flexibility to theattached shading unit 110 (see e.g. FIGS. 3A-3C).

Reference in now made to FIGS. 9A-9C illustrating a shading system 100according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the systemcomprises independent shading units 110 connected to a net of wires 120in a consecutive manner via an integral connection element with aflexible/elastic/spring-like portion enabling flexibility of eachshading unit 110 in terms of front & back and sideways movement oncehung. Such flexibility assists in preventing tearing of the wires in thenet due to moment forces applied thereon, e.g. due to wind. In addition,the flexibility of movement of each shading unit 110 enables it to tiltin the wind and both reduce moment forces applied on the line and aid incooling the shaded area as explained above. The connection of eachshading unit 110 to the net of wires 120 is carried out by any suitablemeans, such as a securing means like a bolt or pin, or other attachmentmechanism, such as a ratchet mechanism. In certain embodiments, eachshading unit 110 is mounted-on/connected-to only to one of the wireswithin the net of wires 120. In alternative embodiments, each shadingunit 110 is mounted-on/connected-to one intersection of the wires in thenet. In a further specific embodiment, the shading unit 110 ismounted-on/connected-to an intersection of the wires in the net suchthat it cannot move along the wire since it is blocked by the crossingwire at the connection point (see e.g. FIG. 11A).

Notably, the number of shading units connected together to form a lineof shading units varies according to the length of the area to becovered. Notably, it is possible to use connection elements at differentlengths in order to generate different distances between adjacentshading units 110 along the generated line to control the generatedshading effect. Alternatively, or in addition, two connecting elements115 may be joined together to generate a larger distance between twosuccessive shading units 110. In addition, the number of lines ofshading units is determined according to the area to be covered/shaded,and the distance between the lines/wires is determined according to thesize/width of the shading units 110 and the desired shading effect.

In certain embodiments, each shading unit 110 is connected to the nextshading unit 110 using two parallel connecting elements 115 to generatetwo parallel lines (see e.g. FIG. 7C). Alternatively, each shading unit110 is connected to the next shading unit 110 using a single lineconnecting element 115 to generate a single line (see e.g. FIG. 8).

Reference in now made to FIGS. 10-12 illustrating one possibleembodiment of a shading system 100 and shading units 110 according tothe invention. As illustrated, the system 100 comprises independentshading units 110 connected to a net of wires 120 in a consecutivemanner via a connector 121 that is an integral part of the shading units110 and which allows forward and backward movement of each unit 110independently from the other units. As illustrated, the shading units110 have a curved shape—both horizontally and vertically, creating aspoon-like form that in addition to an aesthetic appearance, alsoassists in structural strength and overlapping for shading purposes. Asseen, each shading unit 110 further includes holes/perforations thatenable passage of wind and heat therethrough. It should be noted thatsome or all of the holes have a partial cover thereover (see FIGS. 10Band 11A) that assist in capturing wind and movement/tilting f the units110.

The present invention further provides a method for shading a desiredand essentially horizontal area, the method comprising the steps of: (a)hanging and stretching net of hanging wires 120, or one or more hangingwires 120 essentially in parallel to one another, in accordance with thesun's movement direction; (b) mounting shading units 110 according toany of the embodiments above onto the net or the wires 120; and c)optionally, affixing each shading unit 110 to the wire 120, e.g. usingstoppers 114.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forshading an essentially horizontal area, the method comprising the stepsof: (a) providing a shading system 100 in which the shading units 110are already mounted/connected to the hanging wires 120 or net of wires;(b) hanging and stretching one or more hanging wires 120 in parallel toone another in accordance with the sun's movement direction; (c)optionally, mounting additional shading units 110 onto the wires 120according to need; and (d) optionally, affixing each one of theadditional shading units 110 to the wire 120 using, e.g., stoppers 114.

In certain embodiments of the method according to the invention, thespacing between the shading units 110 is determined according to shadingneeds and desired shading coverage. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6A and6B, shading percentage can be controlled and changed within a singleshading area by changing the spaces between the shading units 110.

The present invention further provides a shading system 100 comprising(a) a plurality of shading units 110 designed to be sequentiallyconnected to one another to create a string of shading units, eachshading unit 110 comprises: (i) upper- and lower-sections, wherein thearch/angle between the two sections is between 91° and 179°; and (ii)optionally, a right- and a left-sections, wherein the arch/angle betweenthe two sections is between 91° and 179°; and (b) a plurality ofconnecting elements 115 for connecting one shading unit 110 to the nextor to an adequate support.

In specific embodiments of the above system 100, the at least one of theplurality of the connecting elements 115 is an integral part of eachshading unit 110 of the plurality of shading units 110 and isconnected/located at the upper section thereof.

In further specific embodiments, the above system 100 further comprises:(i) springs at one or both ends of each one of the string of shadingunits designed to eliminate/reduce pulling forces applied thereon whenattached/connected to the adequate support; and/or (ii) a spring elementbetween each shading unit 110 and the connecting elements 115 (inspecific embodiments, the connecting elements 115 are flexible and actas a spring mechanism).

In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a method forshading an area using the above mentioned shading system 100, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) providing the shading system as describedabove; (b) connecting the shading units 110 in a sequential manner tocreate a line of shading units 110, optionally by using connectionelements 115 and securing means 116; and (c) hanging and stretching theline of shading units 110 between two adequate support points,optionally in accordance with the sun's movement direction.

In certain embodiments, the distance and angle (see e.g. angle □ in FIG.3C) between two adjacent shading units is determined according toshading needs and shading unit's dimensions. In certain embodiments,angle □ is in between 46° and 89°, such as 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or85°.

1. A shading system for shading a ground area below, the systemcomprising: a) at least one hanging wire; b) a plurality of shadingunits, each one of said plurality of shading units comprising an uppersection and a lower section that are not on the same plane; and c) aplurality of mounting connectors, wherein said at least one hanging wireis adapted to be hung above said ground area, and each one of saidplurality of shading units is adapted to be mounted onto a singlehanging wire of said at least one hanging wire via one or more mountingconnectors connected to the upper section of each shading unit, suchthat each shading unit can tilt with air movement.
 2. The shading systemof claim 1, wherein a shading unit further comprises a right section anda left section that are not on the same plane.
 3. The shading system ofclaim 1, wherein a shading unit of said plurality of shading unitsfurther comprises one or more mounting connectors on the upper section,as an integral part thereof.
 4. The shading system of claim 1, whereinsome or all of said plurality of shading units are perforated.
 5. Theshading system of claim 1, wherein some or all of said plurality ofshading units are permanently mounted on said at least one hanging wire.6. The shading system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of hanging wiresare elements of a net.
 7. The shading system of claim 1, wherein aplurality of hanging wires are hung in parallel to one another.
 8. Ashading unit adapted for use with the shading system of claim 1, formounting onto a single hanging wire, said shading unit comprising anupper section and a lower section that are not on the same plane.
 9. Amethod for shading a ground area, the method comprising the steps of: a)hanging and stretching one or more hanging wires essentially in parallelto one another; and b) mounting shading units comprising an uppersection and a lower section that are not on the same plane, onto saidwires via one or more mounting connectors connected to the upper sectionof each shading unit, such that each shading unit can tilt with airmovement.
 10. A method for shading a ground area, the method comprisingthe steps of: a) providing a shading system as defined in claim 5; b)hanging and stretching said hanging wires; and c) mounting additionalshading units onto said wires according to need.
 11. A shading systemcomprising a) a plurality of shading units designed to be sequentiallyconnected to one another to create a string of shading units, eachshading unit comprising an upper section and a lower section that arenot on the same plane; and b) a plurality of connecting elements forconnecting the upper section of one shading unit to the upper section ofthe next shading unit or to a support, wherein each one of saidplurality of shading units can tilt with air movement.
 12. The shadingsystem of claim 11, wherein at least one of said plurality of saidconnecting elements is an integral part of each shading unit of saidplurality of shading units and is connected/located at said uppersection thereof.
 13. The shading system of claim 11, further comprisinga spring element between each shading unit and said connecting elements.14. A method for shading an area, the method comprising the steps of: a)providing the shading system of claim 11; b) connecting said shadingunits to one another in a sequential manner to create a line of shadingunits, optionally by using connection elements and securing means; andc) hanging and stretching said line of shading units between twoadequate support points.